518. Who Should Recite HaMotzi and Lead Bentching

Brachos 7:1

The Sages instituted many meal-time practices, including: the person of highest standing should wash his hands first, after which the others should enter and recline on couches. The person of highest standing reclines at the head of the group, with the second-highest person reclining below him. If there are three couches, the person of highest standing reclines at the head, with the second-highest person above him, and the third person below him.

Brachos 7:2

The host should recite HaMotzi, after which he breaks the bread. A guest should lead bentching in order to bless the host. If all the people dining are members of the household, then the person of highest standing should both break bread and lead bentching.